These guys are sharing food, getting to know strangers and making friends. That is neighborly on a global scale. Day 15 is in Turkey!

Track them at 50days50meals.com

A globally connected world. A disconnected people. Our technology-rich, socially-mediated nation is seemingly void of authentic, interpersonal relationships. 50 days | 50 meals is an initiative involving conversation, consumption and compilation. With food as a universal language, we intend to engage individuals from multiple socioeconomic backgrounds using the bistro table as common ground. The 50 day trip includes seeking individuals with whom there is no connection (perfect stranger) and either purchasing and/or preparing a meal for them. The goal in engagement is to listen and ask questions so as to comprehend what the root of disconnection may be, if any at all. Despite length of any mealtime, the conversation will be intentional yet filled with undertones of appreciation and compassion, without any expectation.

OPPORTUNITY

To learn how other cultures relate to each other and gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Utilizing personal conversation, technology and social media during this journey, we plan to systematically gather observations, interpret the data and create a documentary in order to attract an online audience. Questions during mealtime will be centered upon relationships (i.e. marriage, children, family, friends, co-workers), financial perspectives, community outlook, employment statuses. We hypothesize that communication on a personal level is more than America’s trend of technology and social media.

PRODUCT

An exhibition consisting of a vast array of visual language that was captured while sharing 50 meals with 50 strangers in 50 days. Both digital and analogue photography, film, journaling, as well as a 30-60 minute documentary of the entire experience will be utilized to present our findings. An interactive website will be made available in order to engage an audience and allow them opportunity to respond to our observations. We desire to promote actions towards more authentic, personal relationships.

PARTNERSHIP

Love for the Sake of Love, a non-profit (501(c)3) organization committed to the mission of “giving away unconditional love, expecting nothing in return.” Established in 2009, this organization identifies needs of the African people and assists in funding multiple teams in order to reach out to their country. Their grass roots approach to meeting people on a personal level is similar to 50 days | 50 meals. Their devotion, compassion and genuine interest are characteristics we hope to emulate on our 50 day pursuit.

Tuesday, June 5th, is another fundraising day at Elmo’s Carrboro for the Public School Foundation of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Dine with us on Tuesday, June 5th and we will donate 10% of our pre-tax sales to the Public School Foundation. Hope to see you then! Great food for a great cause!